Every house sit Mark and I complete constitutes a chapter in our book of life. They are all different and compelling, whether it is because of the location, the house, the owners, the pets, or all of the above.
I just loved this crisp mountain view every day
Mark and I committed to our most recent sit in Ojai while we were traveling for a few months in our camper and didn’t plan on house sitting too much anymore. The home owner had contacted us in February, asking whether we’d be interested in a three-week sit in the fall. I had been vague – sure, we’d be interested (we had heard nice things about Ojai and being in Southern California that time of year is not a bad choice), but it was way too early to commit. She checked in with us every couple of months and in August, we bit the bullet and decided to be there, after confirming our 11ft high camper could park in the driveway.
So, mid-November, we called our nomadic life in the van quits for the time being and drove south to Ojai after many adventures in nature and meet-ups in person. We entered a gated community, gazed at the huge houses, and arrived at our new address. The two driveway entries were arched by low-hanging tree branches. Trouble… We parked on the street and entered the beautiful property.
Soon, we were greeted by the home owner and her male tenant, a handyman. We received a tour of the “mansion”, and instructions about the yard, home and three dogs. Then, Mark and our new friend tackled the trees, so Zesty could get on the property. The van remained in the wide, clean and level driveway the entire time. It was perfect to get projects done; we had the use of the owner’s car(s) and our electric bikes to get around. But, honestly, we were quite content being in this attractive, quiet housing development with a most beautiful view of the mountains. We had stocked up on food before our arrival.
For the next three weeks, we created a routine of feeding, watering, cuddling, playing with and walking the dogs, Dresden (greyhound), Barney, and Zoë (both pulis, which are Hungarian sheepdogs). All of them love attention, treats, walks and being around humans.
During the week, Mark and I focused on projects; he on the camper and me behind the computer. A couple of translations came in and I finally picked up my memoir again, which will be my priority the coming months. Being in a comfortable home with all the amenities one could wish for made our stay productive and enjoyable.
During the weekends, we took the dogs for longer walks, explored the area on foot, and biked into town. Once, we hiked into the hills to see the damage of last year’s wildfires for ourselves.
The center of Ojai was about 6 miles away and the bike path came in handy. It was busy along the roads and in town, so we were always happy to return to our convenient and peaceful “bubble” in the outskirts. Are we becoming hermits?
My birthday the end of November happened to be rainy. We still took the day off to run errands in Santa Barbara and walk around the “big city”.
As often, our time went by too quickly. The owners returned home from their vacation – a cruise on which they partly retraced the steps of our sailboat Irie in the Caribbean and the Panama Canal and our truck camper in Central America and Mexico – and we had a wonderful last night together. Then, Mark and I drove south to San Diego for the next three-week house and pet sit.
Best feature(s): It is hard to pick one or even a handful of things here. The house was roomy and comfortable with everything we could have possibly needed: a well-equipped kitchen, more than adequate offices, dog-friendly couches, a high-quality bed and an en-suite bathroom that could fit our camper van. Pool, yard and house cleaning services were provided.
Best gadget(s): While the house had any imaginable tool or appliance for baking, steaming, frying, boiling, grilling, cutting or whatever else one does in a kitchen, our favorite gadget by far was the Bakerstone Pizza Oven Box that goes on the grill outside. Never will our homemade pizzas taste the same!
Surprise(s): Our first surprise was the fact that a tenant lived on the grounds, in a building attached to the garage. He was very friendly, helpful and hospitable, so being able to hang out with him became a bonus. The generous owners treated us to a tasty restaurant lunch in the Summerland Beach Café, which we ended up doing on my birthday.
They also provided two guest passes for the museum in Ojai, where we visited an exhibition about the fires that happened in the area. Especially the one last year, the Thomas Fire, made international news and caused a lot of damage. It was the largest wildfire in modern California history at the time. Despite the massive fire surrounding the entire village of Ojai, it was miraculously saved from destruction.
The museum building
The last surprise was a big and pleasant one. When the owners returned, they brought us gifts from Nicaragua: a fancy bottle of our favorite rum in the world and an accompanying t-shirt for me in the perfect color and size. Such a coincidence! Or good taste. 😊 Did I mention yet that these home owners are impressive people?
Thank you for the Nicaraguan gifts!
Downside(s): I’m drawing a blank here. That the garage door didn’t shut, so dirt and rain came inside? That the pool and hot tub were not heated? That the dogs went a little ballistic before walks in the beginning? That I had a lot of work to do and couldn’t enjoy the yard and area more? Small things in life.
The owner’s review of us about this sit can be read at the top of this page.
Dog walking in Ojai
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December 12, 2018 at 15:54
I think Dresden needs a new bed! 🙂
This looks like a fabulous housesit. I was in Ojai 35+ years ago and remember it as a sweet place. The house seems so nice that I could have whiled some weeks away there no matter where it was!
December 13, 2018 at 18:35
That’s how I felt as well, Lexie. I wish I could have “sat around” more and enjoy the comfort, the scenery and the warmth. I’m sure a lot in Ojai has changed in 35 years. We expected it to be more laid-back and hippy-ish, but money seems to have a played an important role in and around town, with many boutique-style stores, hotels and dog spas!
We thought the same thing about Dresden and her bed, but often, she curled up in it and fit! She seems to like snug places. 🙂 I wish I could add a photo of that in this comment…
December 12, 2018 at 16:13
I’m guessing Dresden has “borrowed” the bed from a smaller dog, and I’m wondering how those smaller dogs see!
December 13, 2018 at 18:38
Haha, I hear you Anabel. Mark and I were tempted to cut the hair around their eyes, but that might have caused issues when the owners returned. 🙂 They actually don’t see well with all that hair, as we noticed after a few days.
Dresden loved this small bed for some reason, and lied in it when I was in “my” office. Other times, she’d take up the couch in the living room and at night, she has her own couch in the master bedroom.
December 12, 2018 at 19:13
My mind is still focused on that pizza oven!! Yes, I too think Dresden borrowed the bed from a smaller dog. We have cared for many a dog who like that cramped up feeling 🙂
December 13, 2018 at 18:40
When we pet sat two Italian Greyhounds last winter, we noticed that they liked to snuggle up and bury themselves in small places as well. Must be typical for the breed. As much as Dresden liked to get into that bed, she also was often found on her back with all her paws straight up in the air. 🙂
December 12, 2018 at 23:59
Wow ! Looks nicer then I imagined there in Ojai. Of course having a great house helps.
December 13, 2018 at 18:42
We didn’t know what to expect of Ojai and often felt like we were living in a (nice) bubble, very different than town life, but the mountain scenery was striking everywhere.
December 13, 2018 at 02:00
Those blue skies of California are a reason enough to be there. Cute dogs, sounds like you had the perfect house sit. I am glad your memoir is back on track again 😄
December 13, 2018 at 18:44
Thanks, Gilda. I just have to focus on that memoir right now, or it will never happen. Of course, everyone knows I’d rather travel… 🙂 And, yes, those blue skies mean so much and help to maintain a positive spirit.
December 13, 2018 at 05:30
I think I’d have a hard time leaving that house, Liesbet. I’m happy you and Mark enjoyed your stay. Is this a place you’d go back to if the homeowners reached out to you? I’ve always loved sheepdogs! Thanks for sharing your trip with us.
December 13, 2018 at 18:49
You read my mind, Jill! I really felt like there wasn’t much reason to leave the house and enjoyed my relaxing weekends. Most, if not all, home owners would like to get us back to house sit, but it mostly depends on our plans and our experiences, and the weather. 🙂
This home owner in particular, really would like us to come back. And, if it fits on the agenda, we might. She joked that she would only leave a review if we promised her we’d come back during their next trip. 🙂
December 13, 2018 at 06:23
Wow, you stayed in some beautiful areas. Nice they cut down some branches for you. And pizza!
December 13, 2018 at 18:53
Without the branch cutting, we couldn’t have stayed and they’d have to find another, last-minute solution. Unfortunately, we have missed out on a few really nice house sitting opportunities in California recently, because the van didn’t fit on the driveway due to overhanging trees.
Yes, pizza! It was a Friday tradition while house sitting the previous years to make our home-made pizzas. These tasted even better than other times, so I’m reluctant to make them in a normal oven again. Of course, every house has different ovens with their own idiosyncrasies, so it’s always a challenge to produce a good pizza.
December 13, 2018 at 09:10
I’m always fascinated by your story of house-sits — I would be more than happy and comfortable sitting for someone’s house as long as no animals or plants were involved. 🙂 The one experience I had of house sitting many years ago – I killed the bonsai tree!
December 13, 2018 at 18:55
Oh no about the bonsai tree, Janet! Don’t put that in your profile. 🙂
I’m sorry to report that most house sit opportunities have pets and/or plants. We have done one house sit (twice) with no pets involved, but the plants were VERY important. It was an easier sit with more freedom, but there is always a relatively big level of responsibility.
December 13, 2018 at 22:10
I’d imagine with no plants or pets, there is little need for a housesitter. This is not likely to be my next career path. 🙂
December 14, 2018 at 14:43
Haha! Some people still like someone to just stay in their home to show “a presence”, so you never know. 🙂
December 13, 2018 at 10:20
Sounds like a wonderful house sit! Adorable dogs (but aren’t they all) and a great setting. How sweet that they brought you back gifts.
December 13, 2018 at 18:57
It might not have started off on the perfect foot, Ellen, but it was a very enjoyable experience. I don’t know what I will do if I have to clean the house myself again! Mark’s job, I assume, since I have to focus on my memoir. 🙂
December 13, 2018 at 11:09
Belated Happy Birthday greetings Liesbet, what a wonderful setting for a house sit and celebtations! 🎈🎉 The dogs look so sweet, we have a soft spot for Dresden as you can imagine 😁 The home owners sound like wonderful people and I hope your paths will cross again 🙂💖 xxx
December 13, 2018 at 19:02
Thanks for the wishes! I thought you’d like Dresden, Xenia. It remains very interesting to live with different breeds of dogs and learn about their behaviors. I so wish I could have seen her run full speed. The yard and house were big enough, but it always seemed like she was holding back when running.
December 13, 2018 at 11:45
Looks like a great place to stay put for a while and work on that memoir!
You found a great house sit and the community looks amazing. Your pictures are lovely!
December 13, 2018 at 19:03
Thank you, Nancy and welcome to the blog! Sometimes, it is nice to take a break from the road, especially when comfort and conveniences are required (or craved). Of course, trying to focus on the book and sitting inside while it’s sunny and warm outside, where a whole world is waiting to be discovered, is its own challenge for me. 🙂 But, no complaints!
December 13, 2018 at 14:06
It sounds like you enjoyed living in the lap of luxury and enjoyed the perks of this massive place. I’d find it odd too having a groundskeeper as a tenant though fortunately he was the friendly sort. The owners were lucky to find you and Mark, dog lovers and reliable people too. Now I’ll post this and then read the rave view, which I missed at the top.
Enjoy the season! I wonder if you’ll spend Christmas in San Diego.
December 13, 2018 at 19:07
This house sitting lifestyle offers so many benefits, Marian, from staying in beautiful, luxurious houses to working at a different desk every few weeks, to living with a multitude of different animals and dog breeds. Our routines are never the same, which is important to someone like me. 🙂
The odd thing about the tenant, was that we were not told before we arrived. Every house sit has something that the owners forgot to disclose.
And, yes, we will be in San Diego over Christmas. The lights in the neighborhood are beautiful when we take our current doggy for his evening walk.
December 14, 2018 at 11:43
Happy belated birthday, Liesbet! I’m glad you had a great house sit in Ojai. The dogs look so cute. Maybe next time you can use a hair clip to keep the hair away from their eyes without cutting their hair, so they can see better LOL. I see that you’re at Ocean Beach, San Diego now. Sounds like a lovely location. Have a fun weekend!
December 16, 2018 at 12:30
Thanks, Natalie! Good idea about the hair clips (or food bag clips); I didn’t think about that. 🙂 Ocean Beach is a quirky little area that is very walkable. We are enjoying our time here, but it will be over quickly again. That’s the negative about short house sits…
December 14, 2018 at 12:44
Liesbet I can understand why the owners were so keen to book you! With three dogs they needed loving experts and with all of your fabulous reviews I can see why you and Mark fir the bill. Their gratitude shown in so many ways from gifts, to use the the car, to cleaning services…well it sounds like a win win all around. Best wishes for San Diego. One of our favourite spots.
December 16, 2018 at 12:32
It’s those extra attentions (and treats) that make a house sit extra special, Sue. It is never expected, but it is very nice when it happens. 🙂 We’ve been pretty fortunate that the last three house sits came with a weekly or bi-monthly cleaning team. This time, we will have to clean the house ourselves again!
December 14, 2018 at 13:44
What an awesome house-sit, Liesbet. The owners sound like incredible people (and I am sure that they think the same about you). Where are you and Mark off to next?
December 16, 2018 at 12:34
One of the highlights of our house sits is meeting interesting home owners, Donna. For some reason, we have stumbled across quite a few fascinating couples. 🙂 We will be in San Diego until the end of the year. Then, we will most likely spent a week to ten days in Zesty, before we fly east for a couple of weeks. We will end January in San Diego again. After that, who knows?
December 14, 2018 at 15:43
What an amazing place to sit, Liesbet! Your photos of the Ojai area are fabulous! Seems like a very inviting area and the house looks incredible! I’m glad it worked out for you to do this. I’m sure the dogs loved you and enjoyed their time with you and Mark!
December 16, 2018 at 12:36
When we don’t have animals around, we miss it, Terri. So, every week spent in the company of a dog or two, or three, is a good week, especially during my downtime. I truly enjoy petting them and hanging out on the couch together, or going for walks with the furballs. You totally know what I mean! 🙂 I hope you will have a nice time during the holidays, with both dogs!
December 17, 2018 at 18:49
Pretty bad when you have to look for fault, LOL. Sounds and looks like a beautiful time. And Happy belated birthday Liesbet! 🙂 xx
December 19, 2018 at 16:03
Thanks for the wishes, Debby. To keep my house sit overviews consistent, I have to add something to the “downsides” category. 🙂
December 17, 2018 at 22:38
Hi Liesbet
Such luxury!! Ojai is a lovely little town. It’s been years since I’ve been there and I am glad to see everything is still beautiful
Thanks for the tour
Happy Holidays–Safe Travels
Laura
December 19, 2018 at 16:05
Hi Laura! I’m glad to read that you are familiar with Ojai. You have a knack for finding cute and attractive towns! 🙂
Happy holidays to you as well!!
December 18, 2018 at 03:21
Pulis are such neat-looking dogs. They’re always a dog-show favourite.
Very beautiful place. Looks quite idyllic. I’m sure in many ways it was difficult to leave.
December 19, 2018 at 16:08
I had no idea pulis were popular at dog shows. Thanks for that tidbit of info, JH!
We enjoyed the luxury of this place, but more than anything else these days, I’m just happy with a quiet and comfortable office… 🙂
December 18, 2018 at 10:17
I fell in love with the dogs, but I always do. hehehe
Anna from elements of emaginette
December 19, 2018 at 16:13
I have to admit that the company of dogs is usually the highlight of our house sits. And, having a convenient workplace. 🙂
December 18, 2018 at 19:15
Sounds wonderful. I am jealous! Perhaps we will take our house sitting gig on the road and find a great places like this to sit at. I read all of your reviews. Outstanding!
December 19, 2018 at 16:15
Thanks for reading the reviews, Duwan. While they are excellent, they did not help us secure a sit in January, unfortunately. Our van being an RV and being tall has been an obstruction lately. We hope to travel in states where this is not going to harm us anymore, which means leaving California!
December 22, 2018 at 05:36
We are really enjoying the housesits we are doing. Ojai looks like a lovely place to spent a few weeks. Hope you and Mark have a lovely holiday season!
December 24, 2018 at 13:41
Isn’t house and pet sitting a pretty perfect lifestyle? Happy holidays to you and yours as well, LuAnn!!
January 6, 2019 at 14:38
It sounds like your three weeks in Ojai provided a nice respite from camping. How wonderful that you are back to working on your memoir!
Jude
January 8, 2019 at 13:48
Ojai was what I needed for productivity and puppy love. And, the views and the weather weren’t bad either. 🙂 I could use a few more Ojais to improve my progress, though! 🙂